Improvement in the properties of low carbon MgO-C refractories through the addition of graphite-SiC micro-composite

Graphite–SiC micro-composites have been prepared in–house by carbothermal reduction process. Controlling the process parameters including the weight ratio of SiO₂ to graphite as well as carbothermal reduction temperature during the micro-composite preparation favors the homogeneous formation of SiC with preferred morphologies like ribbons and whiskers/fibers. The micro-composite modified low carbon MgO-C refractories have exhibited significantly improved bulk properties over the standard composition. To understand the beneficial role of SiC reinforcement on hot strength performance under air oxidizing conditions, we propose a scaling parameter known as strength factor (fs) based on the ratio of hot strength (HMOR) to cold strength (CCS). Correlating the strength factor data (fs) with oxidative damage provides new insights into the reinforcing effects of distinct SiC morphologies in this new class of micro-composite fortified refractory systems over the standard compositions.     

Microwave-assisted metal-catalyzed pyrolysis of low-rank coal: Promising option towards obtaining high-quality products

Microwave-assisted catalytic pyrolysis is considered to be a promising technology for coal-staged conversion due to its high efficiency and selectivity. This work was undertaken to investigate the pyrolysis behavior and products quality of microwave-assisted pyrolysis of low rank coal catalyzed by metallic catalysts (K, Ca and Fe) with both dielectric response and catalytic effect via a microwave tube furnace. The mechanism of metallic catalysts on catalytic cracking tar under microwave radiation was also investigated. The dielectric properties and physicochemical structure of coal chars were characterized by a vector network analyzer, XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, and Raman. The chemical structure characteristics of generated tars were determined by FT-IR and GC-MS. Results manifested that microwave interacted preferentially with metal catalysts by polarization and conductivity loss could efficiently induce the occurrence of catalytic pyrolysis reactions to generate high yield syngas (CO + H₂). Specifically, the dielectric loss factor of resultant chars was considerably improved with the introduction of metallic catalysts especial for Ca and Fe. Furthermore, it is found that metal catalysts dramatically enriched the amorphous carbon structure in produced chars whereas in favour of suppressing the trend of carbon graphitization. Additionally, the transformation of larger polycyclic aromatic compounds into lighter tar species was catalytically accelerated, resulting in the large proportion of single-ring aromatics in tar under the synergistic effect between microwave and metal catalysts.     

Three-dimensional Ni2P–MoP2 mesoporous nanorods array as self-standing electrocatalyst for highly efficient hydrogen evolution

Electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) via the splitting of water has required electrocatalysts with cost-effectiveness, environmentally friendliness, high catalytic activity, and superior stability to meet the hydrogen economy in future. In this context, we report the successful synthesis of self-standing mesoporous Ni₂P–MoP₂ nanorod arrays on nickel foam (Ni₂P–MoP₂ NRs/3D-NF) through an effective phosphidization of the corresponding NiMoO₄ NRs/3D-NF. The as-synthesis Ni₂P–MoP₂ NRs/3D-NF, as an efficient HER electrocatalyst, exhibits small overpotential of 82.2 and 124.7 mV to reach current density of 10 and 50 mA cm⁻², a low Tafel slope of 52.9 mV dec⁻¹ and it retains its catalytic performance for at least 20 h in alkaline condition. Our work also offers a new strategy in designing and using transition metal phosphide-based 3D nanoarrays catalysts with enhanced catalytic efficiency for mass production of hydrogen fuels.     

Determination of a suitable index for a solvent via two-column extractive distillation using a heuristic method

The traditional approach to solvent selection in the extractive distillation process strictly focuses on the change in the relative volatility of light-heavy components induced by the solvent. However, the total annual cost of the process may not be minimal when the solvent induces the largest change in relative volatility. This work presents a heuristic method for selecting the optimal solvent to minimize the total annual cost. The functional relationship between the relative volatility and the total annual cost is established, where the main factors, such as the relative volatility of the light-heavy components and the relative volatility of the heavy-component solvent, are taken into account. Binary azeotropic mixtures of methanol-toluene and methanol-acetone are separated to verify the feasibility of the model. The results show that using the solvent with the minimal two-column extractive distillation index, the process achieves a minimal total annual cost. The method is conducive for sustainable advancements in chemistry and engineering because a suitable solvent can be selected without simulation verification.     

Self-lubrication and wear-resistance mechanism of graphene-modified coatings

To reduce the friction coefficient of WC-17Co wear-resistant coatings, Graphene oxide were used to mix with WC-17Co powder. The SEM, EDS and Raman results were used to analyze the morphology and phase composition of graphene oxide in the powder and coating obtained by plasma spraying processes. The mechanical properties of the coatings were studied by using a microhardness tester and a universal testing machine. The friction and wear properties of the coatings were studied by using a UMT-2 friction and wear tester. The results show that among the pulverization processes, the spray granulation process can achieve a stronger and more uniform adhesion of graphene oxide on the surface of WC-17Co particles, and the graphene oxide content in the coating is higher. Graphene is still embedded in the coating as transparent, thin sheets. The bonding strength is approximately 63 MPa, the hardness is approximately 931 HV0.1, and the friction coefficient of the graphene oxide coating is reduced by approximately 22% compared to that of the coating without graphene. The formation of lubrication films in the micro-area improves the self-lubrication and antiwear effects.     

Fabrication of ball-milled MgO–Mg(OH)2-hydromagnesite composites and evaluation as an air-stable hydrogen storage material

A phase stability map of metallic magnesium powder, exposed to environmental conditions for 12 months (Mg-12M) and subjected to different high-energy ball-milling speeds and milling times, was constructed. Mg-12M−160 [½MgO-⅓Mg(OH)₂-⅙hydromagnesite] and Mg-12M−640 [¼MgO-⅝Mg(OH)₂-⅛hydromagnesite] composites were obtained changing the milling conditions. The correlation among the accumulated energy (ΔE_accum), the impact energy (ΔE_hit), and the phase stability under different high-energy ball-milling conditions were generated. The Mg-12M−160 composite had a hydrogen storage capacity of 0.63 wt% at −196 °C and 8.3 bar, although further hydrogen adsorption at higher pressures is expected. Structural defects play a significant role in the adsorption capacity. A representation of the possible absorption mechanism is proposed.     

Interfacially reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin composites by chemically grafting multiwall carbon nanotubes onto carbon fibers

Both silane and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grafted successfully onto carbon fibers (CFs) to enhance the interfacial strength of CFs reinforced methylphenylsilicone resin (MPSR) composites. The microstructure, interfacial properties, impact toughness and heat resistance of CFs before and after modification were investigated. Experimental results revealed that CNTs were grafted uniformly onto CFs using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) as the bridging agent. The wettability and surface energy of the obtained hybrid fiber (CF-APS-CNT) were increased obviously in comparison with those of the untreated-CF. The CF-APS-CNT composites showed simultaneously remarkable enhancement in interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and impact toughness. Moreover, the interfacial reinforcing and toughening mechanisms were also discussed. In addition, Thermogravimetric analysis and thermal oxygen aging experiments indicated a remarkable improvement in the thermal stability and heat oxidation resistance of composites by the introduction of APS and CNTs. We believe the facile and effective method may provide a novel interface design strategy for developing multifunctional fibers.     

Heterometallic sulfide cluster [Ag6Sn6S20]10 −: Solvothermal syntheses and characterizations of silver thiostannates with lanthanide complex counter cations

Novel organic hybrid silver thiostannates [Hen]₄[Ln(en)₄]₂[Ag₆Sn₆S₂₀]·3en (Ln = Er, 1; Tm, 2; Yb, 3) were prepared by the reactions of Ln₂O₃, Ag, Sn and S in ethylenediamine (en) under solvothermal conditions. Six SnS₄ tetrahedra and six AgS₃ triangles are connected into the heterometallic sulfide cluster [Ag₆Sn₆S₂₀]^10 − via edge-sharing. In the [Ag₆Sn₆S₂₀]^10 − cluster, a hexanuclear Ag₆S₆ core is enclosed by two Sn₃S₁₀ fragments. The Ag₆S₆ core is the first As–S cluster stabilized by inorganic SnS₄ ligands. In 1–3, all Ln^3 + ions are in 8-fold coordination environments that involved four bidentate en ligands, forming bicapped trigonal prisms. Compounds 1–3 show well-defined absorption edges with band gaps in the range of 2.18–2.47 eV.     

Reinforcement and toughening mechanisms in polymer nanocomposites – Carbon nanotubes and aluminum oxide

The addition of nanoparticles has been reported as an option to increase the fracture toughness of thermosetting polymers without compromising the stiffness. In this paper, alumina or carbon nanotubes (CNTs), in three different concentrations, were dispersed in an epoxy resin. Mechanical properties were measured through tensile test and the results indicate increases for all nanocomposites, with a maximum for the addition of 0.5% of CNTs (17% in elastic modulus and 22% in ultimate stress). Using TEM images, it was possible to identify the nanostructures and mechanisms that lead to improved stiffness. Fracture toughness tests and SEM images showed that cavitation – shear yielding (for epoxy/alumina nanocomposites) and crack bridging – pull-out (for epoxy/CNTs nanocomposites) are the predominant mechanisms.     

A landscape of hydride compounds for off-board refilling of transport vehicles

The authors compare the energy consumption of hydrogen cars (using fuel cells) with electric cars (using batteries) and conventional petrol cars finding that hydrogen cars are preferable to electric cars for long distances. They evaluate several types of hydrogen storage materials in terms of off-board refilling, in which hydrogen uptake takes place outside the vehicle. Literature values for enthalpy and entropy of formation etc. are used to calculate hydrogen densities, heat production and theoretical desorption temperature. Additionally, experimental literature values for temperature and pressure of (de)hydrogenation, kinetics and cycling stability are summarized. The results are discussed assuming that hydrogen refilling takes place in a replaceable tank outside the vehicle, which reduces the DOE requirements to high volumetric and gravimetric density, moderate release temperature, sufficiently fast release and high reversibility. They are fulfilled by materials like NaAlH₄, while even better performance can be expected from compounds like LiBH₄+MeH_x or Mg-Ti composites.